Cyprus is a small island country between Turkey and Egypt and also close to Lebanon and Israel so it was an important stopping point during ancient times and it still is. In fact as we were visiting in 2023 there were multiple flights coming from Sudan bringing in evacuees from the conflict zone. It also has the dubious distinction of being the last country with a split capital, Nicosia, between the Northern Cyprus run by Turkish Cypriots and Southern Cyprus run by Greek Cypriots. In fact technically they are still at war separated by a buffer zone so it is our second time in a war country after Ukraine a few years back.
During our visit we focused our exploration mainly on the internationally recognized part of Cyprus, the Greek Cypriot part, with a short visit to the northern Turkish Cypriot part of the capital. Cyprus is known as the Isle of Aphrodite and we visited quite a few sites related to her and a lot of Greek and Roman cities as well as Byzantine monasteries.
Driving in Cyprus is on the left hand side, similar to Britain as they were under British Control for half of the 20th century. It is relatively easy going but attention is recommended as driving standards are not that good. Parking was usually plentiful and free or cheap in the major tourist destinations.
Map of Travels
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Trips
- Archaeological Site of Kato Paphos
Last stop in Cyprus for us is the archaological site of Kato Paphos one of the most impressive and expansive on the island - Arriving in Paphos and exploring the promenade
We arrive early evening at our hotel and spend the rest of the evening exploring the grounds as well as the nearby waterfront promenade - Archaeological Site of Palaipaphos
The first Cypriot site to be included the Unesco WHS list Palaipaphos was one of the most important city kingdoms in Cyprus - Omodos – first physical cache in Cyprus
On a search for the first physical cache in Cyprus we also explore Omodos an unexpectedly touristy town on the slopes of Mt Olympus - Troodos Botanical Garden
Troodos Botanical Gardens were too popular for our liking with lots of screaming children disturbing the peace and scaring the birds away - Exciting visit at the Amiantos abandoned hospital
Amiantos abandoned hospital is well worth a visit if you can find the parking spot - Starting the day at the Moufflon Sanctuary
We start the day with an exploration of the Moufflon Sanctuary we noticed the day before - A short jaunt on the Artemis Trail
Short hike on the Artemic Trail around Mount Olympus looking for birds and caches - Short stop at the Church of the Archangel Michael
Last Unesco WHS church for the day is the Church of the Archangel Michael in Pedoulas - Panagia tou Moutoulla, a quick but interesting stop
Continuing our exploration of Byzantine Unesco WHS churches we stopped at Panagia tou Moutoulla - Church of St. Nicholas of the Roof
Short visit to the Church of St. Nicholas of the Roof an Unesco World Heritage Site near Kakopetria - Unexpected but worthwhile visit to Kakopetria
Following an adventure lab we discover unexpectedly beautiful Kakopetria - Into the mountains stopping at a Unesco protected church
Up into the mountains stopping at a Unesco inscribed church - Cypriot side of Nicosia and the Cyprus Museum
On the Cypriot side we explore the downtown area while making our way to the Cyprus Museum where we spend a few hours before leaving Larnaca - Getting hailed on in Turkish Nicosia
The Turkish area is quite interesting to visit until the storm and hail start, after that the only thing we want is a warm restaurant to hide from the rain - On the way to the Turkish side of Nicosia
After saying goodbye to our relatives it is time to visit the divided capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, and we plan to start with the Turkish side a short walk away from parking - Kition Ruins
Today we visit the Archaeological Site of Kition the ancient city state that predated Larnaca - Finally visiting the Church of Saint Lazarus
We end the day exploring the area around the Church of Saint Lazarus and then returning to the AirBnB - Starting at the Larnaca Castle
Today we have a more relaxing day planned starting with a walk to the downtown area to see the Larnaca Castle - Archaeological Museum of Larnaca
In the afternoon we visit the quite interesting Archaeological Museum before eating traditional Romanian food made in the AirBnB kitchen - Larnaca Salt Lake Attractions
The day starts with a roundtrip around the Larnaca Salt Lake with longer stops at the aqueduct and Hala Sultan Tekke mosque on the shore - Exploring Larnaca for a day
Today with our relatives arriving in the morning we explore downtown Larnaca on a short walk in the afternoon - Choirokoitia Neolithic Village
Last stop of the day is Chorokoitia Neolithic Village an Unesco World Heritage site with a mix of reconstructed buildings and extensive excavations - Impressive castle of Kolossi
Kolossi Castle is one of the many impressive coastal fortifications from the medieval times to protect against Arab and Turkish raids and enforce rule over the local population - Old Kourion City
Kyrion is one of the old city states on the island and the ruins are a must see when in the area as they are spread out over a large area with lots to see - Kourion Museum
Kourion Museum is a small museum but it was worth a visit especially combined with the archaeological site nearby - Aphrodite’s Rock
One short stop on our way is at Aphrodite’s Rock, the birthplace of Aphrodite according to the tourist brochures - Onwards to Mandria Beach to look for larks
Mandria Beach is recommended for birds so we decide to stop for a short-ish visit on the way - Geroskipou short downtown visit
We start our relocation eastwards with a stop in the Paphos suburbs in Geroskipou to visit the old historical church - Baths of Aphrodite
The last point today is the mythical Baths of Aphrodite, where Aphrodite supposedly was first seen by Adonis, an area now part of a national park - Agios Georgios and Cape Drepanum
Agios Georgios is an important religious location with three church ruins in the archaeological park and a still standing medieval church being a point of attraction for pilgrims - Edro III Shipwreck
Edro III Shipwreck is an involuntary manmade attraction of the coast of Cyprus created when a ship crashed into the shore - Lempa Prehistoric Village and around it
Lempa Prehistoric Village is one of the oldest villages on the island and a top destination for us especially as it has partially restored - Waking up in Cyprus ready for adventure
In the morning we enjoy the neighborhood from our balconies as we eat our breakfast inside to avoid the cats and then it is off to explore - First hours in Cyprus
Arriving in Cyprus the first order of business is to find our AirBnB and buy some groceries to prepare for the next couple days